AI adoption in payments soars to 96% in 2026—but hurdles remain

A new 2026 report shows that AI adoption in payments firms has grown rapidly. Nearly all companies in the sector now use AI in some form, with adoption rising from 89% in 2025 to 96% this year. This marks a shift from prediction to widespread reality within just 12 months. The use of AI across financial operations has also increased. In 2026, 30% of firms now deploy AI widely, compared to 22% the previous year. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain.

Half of the firms surveyed highlight implementation costs as a major obstacle. Data security and regulatory risks top the list of concerns, cited by 61% of respondents. Additionally, 46% point to difficulties in integrating legacy systems as a barrier to scaling AI.

The report notes that fragmented financial infrastructure persists in most payments firms. Disconnected data systems and outdated technology continue to limit returns on investment. These issues also heighten operational risks, making full AI integration harder to achieve. AI is now nearly universal in the payments industry, but adoption is uneven. Costs, security worries, and legacy systems still slow progress for many firms. Overcoming these barriers will be key to unlocking AI’s full potential in financial operations.